The police in Beverly Hills have confirmed they arrested the millionaire singer George Michael while he was alone in a public toilet and have charged him with lewd behaviour.

A police spokesman confirmed that a man was charged under the name Georgios Panayiotou - the former Wham! star's real name.

Sergeant William Pritchard, of the Beverly Hills Police Department, said: "A man who gave his name as George Michael was arrested for disorderly conduct. He was taken back to the station, booked and released."

An assistant of singer George Michael's agent, Connie Filipello, said: "We have no comment to make."